VOTE: Which Tampa area (FL) quarterback transfer will settle in best at his new school?
There’s no secret around the Tampa Bay Area when it comes down to the revolving door that has become high school football transfers, as many teams will have some new faces on them this fall.
It’s not just at positions at wide receiver, running back and defensive back that players are heavily transferring, but especially at the quarterback position as well. Several transfers in the Tampa Bay Area will play a role in how teams are able to stay competitive this upcoming campaign. We take a look at who’s moved where and what that means for the signal caller’s new school as we see the same faces at different places for 2022.
Brooks Bentley (transferred from Gaither to Venice): It’ll be the third school in three years for Bentley, but it has to be the charm because it’s his senior season. Bentley should fit in well with Venice, the 2021 Class 8A state champions, as he threw for 1,893 yards and 15 touchdowns with Gaither last season.
RELATED: Venice (FL) ready to run it back with tough 2022 schedule
Jaycee Nixon (transferred from Zephyrhills Christian Academy to Gaither): Before going down with an injury, Nixon was having a heck of a freshman campaign. The southpaw threw for 1,333 yards and 14 touchdowns before succumbing to injury and missing multiple games down the stretch. Now at Gaither, Nixon could be poised for a big sophomore season.
Kyle Horvath (transferred from Land O’ Lakes to Sunlake): Not usually does one throw for over 2,000 yards and 28 touchdowns for a 9-1 team and then end up transferring to a team that went 2-7, but here we are. Horvath was the catalyst under center for the Gators in 2021 and now will be the signal caller for the crosstown rival Sunlake Seahawks. The ‘Butter Bowl’ should be very interesting this fall.
Former Land O' Lakes quarterback Kyle Horvath will now be calling out the signals at Sunlake. Photo courtesy of the Land O' Lakes Football Twitter.
Parker Stirnkorb (transferred from Dunedin to Zephyrhills Christian Academy): 44 miles is the distance between Dunedin and Zephyrhills, but that’s the move Stirnkorb has made to play with the Warriors in 2022 after a breakout sophomore campaign. The former Falcon will replace Nixon and threw for 2,026 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2021.
Brenden Colella (transferred from Wiregrass Ranch to Zephyrhills): Not much data to collect in terms of statistics in 2021, as Colella wasn’t the starter for Wiregrass Ranch. Colella did win the the starting job over Elijah Brown before ending up transferring to neighboring Zephyrhills. Colella will fill the void left by Jaxon Rivera, who has graduated.
RELATED: Wiregrass Ranch (FL) transitioning to life after Rocco Becht
Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.
